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Albany Assistance

Yes they do. Particularly ones of the vehicular type, and this is usually the result (doesn’t look much at all does it? but enough to actually render the car undriveable. Anyhoo)….

Almost a week and a half ago now the Other Half had an accident in my car. Not a problem, as he was OK and it’s a damn sight easier to fix a bit of plastic and metal than flesh and bone, (as you’d like to think, although I’m beginning to wonder) and there is this delightful thing called Car Insurance which is supposed to be there to help you out.

So I called them, within an hour of the accident, to explain what had happened and via a mutual discussion over Google Street View (an insurance god send) of the ‘incident’ location and a description of where the damage to my car was, they came up with a ‘not at fault’ answer. You’d like to think that meant great, and you wouldn’t have to worry about getting the car back that you desperately need because you drive 2,000 miles a month *just* to get to and from work! THINK Again!!

I’m 38 years old, the last time I had an insurance claim was in 1995, where if you had fully comprehensive insurance you took your car to a garage, got it fixed, paid your excess and worried about the rest later. Since the insurance company agreed that my partner, the driver at the time, wasn’t at fault I assumed the same would happen now. I was somewhat wrong……

Here’s the timescale thus far…..

Sunday March 23 – 09:40

Accident Occurs

Sunday 23rd March 2014 – 10:15

Accident reported to Insurance

Monday 24th March – 12:19

After waiting more than a day to call me back regarding what is going on with my car I spend 30 minutes on the phone (at my expense) to the Insurance company to organise my hire car, which included a conference call to the DVLA just to prove I’m ok to drive a car. (well D’uh)

Wednesday March 26th – 10:00

Hire car company finally drop off car. Admittedly because I was determined not to ruin the break away I was supposed to be leaving on two hours after the accident initially happened and wasn’t going to miss regardless of cost to me.

I also received e-mail correspondence requesting statements, drawings, & photographs of the road.

Thursday March 27th – 09:48

Nationwide Crash Repaircollect my car for an “estimate” on damage repair costs. I’m promised at the time that I will contacted to inform me that my car has been received at the repair centre. This *never* happens.

I wait…….

Monday 31st March – 12:19

I am told my car is

“going up on the ramps to check for further structural damage” which is fine, thorough checks are good think I.

I am also told

“I will call you back on Wednesday (Apr 2nd) with a further update”

(I have the name of who called me)

At the same time I e-mail PDF versions of all hand written documents with regard to the accident to the insurance company.

Wednesday 2nd April

NO CALL received regarding status of car.

Thursday 3rd April – 16:14

Finally receive call from Nationwide Crash Repair detailing some (not all) of the repairs due to my car. All of which are straight forward and simple.

The bumper needs a new plastic wrap, I need a new wing, wheel & suspension strut, the bonnet needs a repair. It’s all simple and straightforward. Even I know that as a semi-enthused car enthusiast. I love my car, and when things need fixing I know what’s what.

“We’re aiming for the 14th to get your car ready..”

Erm…. Ex-squeeze me, the what, what?!

It’s taken you thus far SEVEN days to work out what it needs.

You’re now telling me it’s going to take you ELEVEN days to put it right?!

NATIONWIDE CAR REPAIRS YOU ARE TAKING THE PISS!

It’s no wonder the costs of car insurance claims are going through the roof! I have to have a hire car as I am currently driving over 150 miles a day. The longer you drag this out, the longer I have an over inflated car hire charge to claim back.

18 days, seriously?!

I know several amateur rally teams whose service guys would have done this yesterday. Would you like their phone numbers?